Gordon Lightfoot

Julian Taylor revels in versatility

Toronto musician plays R&B at the Horseshoe one night, partakes in folk festival the next. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Thu Feb 12 2015 Julian Taylor is used to shaking it up. For example, those headed to the Horseshoe on Saturday night will experience the full electrifying and soulful R&B glory of the eight-piece Julian Taylor Band as they perform songs from their acclaimed album Tech Noir. On Friday and…


Music promoter Richard Flohil reflects on a six-decade career

Music promoter Richard Flohil reflects on a six-decade career He’s helped launch the careers of Loreena McKennitt and k.d. lang. At 80, he’s finally agreed to slow down his famously tireless pace. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Fri Jun 27 2014 Now that he’s turned 80, Richard Flohil swears he’s going to slow the pace a bit. What that actually means is anybody’s guess, because those who know the publicist…


The Good Family put down some new roots on debut album

Canadian musical clan that includes Sadies and Good Family drawing comparisons to the Carter Family By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Wed May 08 2013 The debut album from Canada’s equivalent of the Carter Family has been a long time in the making . Although they’ve performed live together in different configurations, The Good Family, which collectively includes veteran country and bluegrass legends The Good Brothers and the torrentially industrious,…


Pavlo strings the world along

Toronto guitar master’s expanded global sound gets special showcase at Roy Thomson Hall Self-made guitar star Pavlo Simtikidis relaxes in Toronto on the Danforth. Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Wed Feb 22 2012 Pavlo Simtikidis is not a man who operates by convention. For example, the 42-year-old master guitarist, who specializes in Mediterranean-style instrumentals and will be performing selections from his ninth album Six String Blvd, at Roy…


Toronto’s transit of venues (or, weep not for the bop)

Veteran rock writer Nick Krewen takes a tour through defunct Toronto concert venue history – from the ’60s in Yorkville, to the subsequent decades when the action was mostly around Yonge St., to the rise and apparent decline of Queen St. W.  Nick Krewen and Garnet Fraser Published on Sun Jan 03 2010 On Queen St. W., the concert scene is changing, and it’s leaving some fretful. Hard-rock hangout the Big…